News from Saudi Arabia, North Korea and Pakistan

Tuesday's World Events - April 10, 2012

Questions

1. For each of the 3 countries, give the following information:a) location/the countries that share its bordersb) the religious breakdown of the populationc) the type of governmentd) the chief of state (and head of government if different) [If monarch or dictator, since what date has he/she ruled? - include name of heir apparent for monarch]e) the population

2. For SAUDI ARABIA:a) list the who, what, where and when of the news itemb) How many countries participating in the Olympics do not permit women to compete? Name these countries.c) In Saudi Arabia, all women, regardless of age, are required to have a male guardian. Women are prohibited from driving in Saudi Arabia, and cannot leave the house without a male guardian. Women cannot vote or be elected to high political positions. However, Saudi King Abdullah has declared that women will be able to vote and run in the 2015 local elections. How do you think Saudi female athletes should view Prince Nawaf's offer to possibly compete on their own?

3. For NORTH KOREA:a) list the who, what, where and when of the news itemb) How many nuclear weapons tests has North Korea conducted thus far?c) The report on North Korea's tunnel being dug for a new nuclear test coincides with North Korea's launch this week of an observation satellite. What is the government saying is the purpose of this satellite launch?

4. For PAKISTAN:a) list the who, what, where and when of the news itemb) Thanks to Jonas Salk and later Albert Sabin's vaccines, polio has been eradicated in every country in the world but three. Name these three countries.c) Why do some parents in Pakistan prohibit their children from receiving the polio vaccine?d) The World Health Organization has warned that Pakistan could face international travel sanctions if it was unable to eradicate the disease. Read about the effects polio can have on a person under "Background" below. Ask a grandparent if they ever knew anyone who had polio, and to tell you their story. Do you think the World Health Organization should impose travel sanctions on Pakistan until it eradicates the disease, or is it ok for a person who has polio to travel around the U.S. or other countries? Explain your answer.